News Release

Monday, December 8, 2008

Los Angeles: On Dec. 7, 2008, at about 8:30 p.m., 37-year-old Stephanie Smith was killed by gunfire from a passing car as she was driving her family home on 102nd Street.

Along with Smith in her car were her 13-year-old daughter, 15-year-old stepdaughter and 21-year-old son. In the 500 block of West 102nd Street, as they neared their residence, a vehicle that was behind them passed Smith’s car on the driver’s side in the oncoming lane of traffic. As it went by, a suspect from inside the car fired multiple shots at Smith and her passengers, also striking the two young girls who were passengers and continuing eastbound.

Smith and her daughters were transported to a local hospital where Smith was pronounced dead and the girls were treated for gunshot wounds. Both girls were in critical but stable condition, and fortunately her son was unharmed.

Los Angeles Police Department homicide detectives ask that any witnesses or others with information about the incident contact Detective Sal LaBarbera in the LAPD Criminal Gang/Homicide Group at 213-485-4341. After-hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-247 (527-3247). Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web Tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” All calls and contacts are anonymous.